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Panel backs bill letting domestic-violence victims end leases without early-termination fees
Summary
The South Carolina House subcommittee gave a favorable report to House Bill 35-69, which would let tenants who are victims of domestic violence terminate leases within 60 days of a documented incident without paying early-termination fees; an amendment standardized a 60-day window and the measure passed the subcommittee 5-0.
The Domestic Relations, Business and Probate Law Subcommittee voted 5-0 to give House Bill 35-69 a favorable report after adopting a technical amendment that standardizes the bill's notice and termination window to 60 days.
The bill would add a new section (27-40-350) to state law allowing a “protected tenant” — a tenant or household member who is a documented victim of domestic abuse or violence — to terminate a residential rental agreement within 60 days of a qualifying incident without being liable for early-termination penalties or fees.
The bill’s supporters said the change would help victims who must quickly relocate for safety. Sora Barber, executive director of the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, told the committee that orders of protection and restraining orders are often obtained “at the most dangerous time in an abusive relationship” and that 33 states already allow early lease…
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